First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from Texas A&M University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 76 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Texas A&M University have a higher likelihood (+8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 31% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Mechanical Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONField Project Engineer InternConocoPhillips May 2013 - Aug 2013 Field Production/Operations Engineer ConocoPhillips Feb 2014 - Jun 2015 Field Engineer ConocoPhillips Jun 2015 - Present ABOUTI am an engineer with a diverse background in the oil and gas industry. I am driven, passionate, and committed to whatever task or challenge I am presented. I have a passion for working frontline locations that involve active operations, even if the location is remote.Skills Include:* Safety leader* Artificial lift troubleshoot, optimization, and installation (plunger, gas lift, pumping unit, foamer injection, intermittent settings)* Well diagnostics (pressure data, fluid level shots and interpretation, production data, etc.)* Working with operations, construction, and maintenance teams* Facility construction, optimization, and construction feasibility* Process design, equipment sizing, and installation* Identifying inefficiencies in any process (artificial lift, construction, facility design, budget utilization) |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we look at the career paths of graduates from Texas A&M University who studied Mechanical Engineering, we see a wide array of job titles and industries they have stepped into. Many of these roles are usually tied to engineering directly, but there’s a notable trend towards jobs that require general management or analytical skills rather than specific mechanical engineering expertise. For instance, positions such as Operations Manager, Executive, and Project Manager pop up fairly often, indicating a potential shift away from traditional engineering roles as graduates progress in their careers. This trend may reflect a broader job market sentiment where mechanical engineering graduates are leveraging their problem-solving skills and technical knowledge in more versatile and non-technical roles.
In the field, many graduates began as positions that closely align with their studies, such as field engineers and mechanical designers, where they applied their technical skills directly. However, as they gained more experience, the relevance of their job roles to their mechanical engineering background tended to diminish. Positions like account managers, project leads, and various analyst roles pop up frequently, which might use some engineering principles but aren’t deeply rooted in mechanical engineering. In contrast, more specialized roles such as test engineers, mechanical engineers in aerospace, or those who work on product development tend to stay closely tied to the mechanical engineering foundation, showing that while there are abundant opportunities for mechanical engineers in the workforce, many end up in hybrid roles that don't always require daily applications of their core skills.
So, overall, while a solid chunk of these jobs remains relevant to mechanical engineering at the start of their careers, there's a trend towards a less direct connection as they move up the career ladder. This could mean that while having a degree in mechanical engineering is a huge asset, many graduates might find themselves valuing skills they gained through their degree, like critical thinking and problem-solving, as they navigate diverse fields. Ultimately, it’s an interesting blend of direct application in the early stages followed by a shift to broader business and management roles as careers progress.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Mechanical Engineering graduates (this is across all Mechanical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Texas A&M University):
Based on the data from various alumni of Texas A&M University who have graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, it's evident that many have found strong career paths that align with the skills and knowledge they gained during their studies. Right after graduation, a lot of these graduates are stepping into positions such as field engineers, project engineers, or design roles, often in reputable companies like ExxonMobil, Baker Hughes, and Lockheed Martin. This initial employment phase showcases a trend where graduates are jumping into roles that directly relate to mechanical engineering, suggesting that the degree provides a solid foundation for entering the workforce in relevant industries.
Fast forward five to ten years, and the career trajectories often show significant growth. It’s not uncommon to see these individuals move into managerial positions or specialized fields, indicating a clear path of upward mobility. Many graduates continue working within the engineering sector, taking on advanced roles like operations manager, senior engineer, or project lead. However, there are also a number of individuals who pivot away from traditional engineering pathways into roles in project management, business analysis, or even education, highlighting a certain flexibility that comes with a mechanical engineering degree. This shows that while most graduates stick to engineering-related careers, some find their passion in different sectors, using their analytical skills in diverse ways.
Overall, the alumni data suggests that a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University leads to solid job prospects and enduring career growth in technical fields. While some individuals take alternative routes, the majority seem to find rewarding positions that definitely capitalize on their educational background. So, if you’re considering pursuing mechanical engineering, it looks like a smart choice with plenty of opportunity to build a fulfilling career.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M can be pretty challenging, like most engineering programs, but it’s definitely doable if you’re willing to put in the work. You’ll tackle some tough subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and dynamics, which can be pretty intense, especially if math and physics aren’t your strong suits. The workload is often heavy, with lots of projects, labs, and homework, but it can also be super rewarding if you enjoy problem-solving and hands-on experiences. Overall, it's definitely on the harder side compared to other degrees, but many students find a way to manage it with good time management and support from classmates and professors. Just be prepared to stay on your game!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.
So, looking at the job history of these Texas A&M Mechanical Engineering graduates, it definitely seems like most of them are doing pretty well for themselves. A lot of these positions are with big-name companies in the energy, engineering, and tech sectors, which often pay salaries in the six-figure range, especially for those with a few years of experience under their belts. For example, folks who worked at places like ExxonMobil, BP, and Lockheed Martin typically earn solid incomes. Those who have taken on leadership roles or specialized positions, like Managing Director or Operations Manager, are even more likely to be earning a nice paycheck.
However, it's also important to note that not everyone has taken the same path. Some graduates have roles that might not be as lucrative, like teaching or positions in less technical fields, at least in the early stages of their careers. But overall, it seems like a majority of these graduates are on a good trajectory towards financial stability and success. With the engineering field generally trending upward, it’s a solid career choice for anyone considering it!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering (this is across all Mechanical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Texas A&M University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Mechanical Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: